Tired of all the back and forth with your partner? Being part of a couple can be exhausting. Right?
Read on for practical tips to shift your focus from complaints to collaboration and fulfillment.
Let’s start with the worst part–the fights, arguments, disagreements, refusal to compromise, and very difficult conversations that make you take the long way home.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO ARGUE?
- Ideally, difficult conversations should be scheduled for a mutually convenient time and place.
- Be professional as if you are speaking with a team member or people leader at the office. No name-calling, yelling, or storming away.
- If you need to cool off, let your partner know and tell them precisely when you will return to resume the discussion. Don’t leave them hanging for days then start up out of nowhere.
- Work together on solutions to get better results in the future.
- Check in often. Set aside time at least monthly to talk through important problems.
- Listen to understand. Repeat your partner’s concerns to ensure you heard all of their statement.
Transforming Relationships with Sharon Costanzo
In a recent episode of the Perpetual mOetion Podcast, we delve into the heart of modern relationships with the insightful Sharon Costanzo, a relationship coach. Sharon shared practical guidance for couples striving to break free from traditional gender norms and foster balanced partnerships.
Unpacking Traditional Gender Roles
Growing up in Utah, a region heavily influenced by the patriarchal norms of the Mormon community, Sharon was no stranger to the traditional gender roles that dictated many aspects of life. However, her ambition and desire for a more equitable partnership led her to challenge these norms. Sharon’s personal experiences with unmet expectations and conflicts in her marriage highlighted the limitations of conventional therapy and fueled her quest for self-advocacy and skill-building.
The Second Shift and Revaluing Unpaid Work
One of the critical issues Sharon addresses is the “second shift” phenomenon, where women often find themselves juggling unpaid labor at home after a full day of paid work. In this episode, we explore the complexities of this issue, particularly in the context of the Bible Belt and Mormon communities. Sharon provides practical advice on how couples can shift their focus from complaints to envisioning a balanced future, revaluing unpaid work, and challenging outdated cultural norms to achieve more equitable partnerships.
Fostering Collaborative Conversations
Communication is at the core of any successful relationship, and Sharon emphasizes the importance of fostering positive and collaborative conversations between partners. Importantly, couples should set up discussions about future goals without resentment, and approach these talks with optimism, and gratitude for the option to share your thoughts with someone who cares about you. By reframing conversations to focus on mutual success, partners can create a more generous and engaged dynamic, leading to satisfying and balanced partnerships.
Practical Strategies for Relationship Success
Sharon offers a wealth of practical strategies for couples looking to improve their relationships. From acknowledging efforts and setting realistic expectations to the importance of humility and courage in communication, her advice is designed to empower couples to work together as a team.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking to transform your relationship and break free from traditional gender norms, this episode with Sharon Costanzo is a must-listen. Her journey from marital struggles to becoming a relationship coach offers valuable insights and strategies for creating meaningful, satisfying partnerships. Tune in to learn how to navigate tradition and change in your marriage and foster a more equitable and connected relationship.
Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and visit Sharon’s website at respectedandconnected.com for more resources and support.
